The God-Man
By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist
Read John chapter one
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
As you read the gospel of John, you will hear Jesus speak (John 7:46), see him act in power, and watch people respond to what he says and does. Seven witnesses declare he is the son of God: John the Baptist (John 1:34), Nathanael (John 1:49), Peter (John 6:69), a man who had been blind (John 9:35–38), Martha (John 11:27), Thomas (John 20:28), and the apostle John (John 20:31). Jesus also declared his deity (John 5:25; 10:36).
In the Gospel of John, the invitation is, “Come and see!” There are 67 references in the book to seeing and 58 to hearing. His works and his words prove Jesus is indeed the son of God.
After the introduction (John 1:1–18), John describes the ministry of Jesus to his people (John 1:19–12:50), to his disciples (John chapters 13–17), and then to the whole world (John chapters 18–21). In the first section, Jesus is the miracle worker; in the second, the teacher; and in the third, the victor. Of course, throughout the book, Jesus is seen as lord and savior.
The creator came (John 1:1–14). Compare this passage with Genesis 1 and notice the emphasis on light and life. Moses wrote about the old creation, but John wrote about the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). He is the creative word and the living word who reveals the father to us. In his many miracles, Jesus showed his power as creator. He is a faithful creator and you can trust your life to him (1 Pet. 4:19).
The savior came (John 1:1–34). Jesus came with grace and truth, not law and judgment. He revealed the father and gave the Holy Spirit to those who trusted him. He is the lamb of God who alone can take away sins. The blood of lambs covered the sins of the Hebrews, but the blood of Jesus takes away the sins of the whole world (John 1:29; 4:42).
The master came (John 1:35–51). Jesus called a few men to follow him, and he transformed their lives and used them to transform the lives of others. Simon’s new name (Peter, meaning “a stone”) symbolized a new beginning in his life. He became a part of the new creation, sharing in the fullness of grace (John 1:16). Jesus calls each one individually and uses different approaches, but the same master calls. Have you heeded his call?
The king came (John 1:49). Jesus came to his own creation and everything in creation obeyed him; but his own people did not receive him (John 1:11; 12:37–41). During Jesus’ trial before Pilate, his kingship was the dominant issue (John 18:33–19:22); and it is still the issue today.
Who is the king of your life?
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines at www.rtcol.com/purkey free on the website. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.